CBS analyst says Texas' Brock Cunningham could have been called for Flagrant 2 foul vs Tennessee

Texas basketball's Brock Cunningham is no stranger to Tennessee and college basketball fans for his overly physical play.

Cunningham's biggest mark on the first half in Saturday's second round NCAA Tournament game was a Flagrant 1 foul late in the first half when he tossed Tennessee's Jordan Gainey to the ground while battling for a rebound.

Cunningham was initially whistled for a common foul with 2:19 remaining in the half, then upgraded to a Flagrant 1 foul upon review during a timeout.

CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said on the game broadcast that he would agreed with the officials if they elevated Cunningham's contact against Gainey to a Flagrant 2 foul.

LIVE UPDATES:Tennessee basketball live score updates vs Texas: Vols in March Madness second round

RICK BARNES VS. OLD PROGRAM:Rick Barnes' Texas Longhorns tenure, revisited: Basketball coach's record, results and more

"Definitely Flagrant 1, right? Because we are in a severe situation," Steratore said. "And I think, truthfully guys, elevate to a Flagrant 2 because now you're really overly excessive. This is not a basketball play and could potentially create injury. I would support a Flagrant 2 if they decide to go to that space, but definitely a Flagrant 1."

The Longhorns senior forward is no stranger to flagrant fouls. Cunningham was assessed a Flagrant 2 foul and was ejected from a game against Texas Tech in February for lowering his shoulder into an opposing player during a loose ball. Cunningham also earned a Flagrant 1 foul in Thursday's NCAA Tournament win over Colorado State for elbowing an opposing player. He also earned a Flagrant 1 foul in a game during the Big 12 Tournament.

Cunningham is most remembered in recent Tennessee-Texas history for shouldering Olivier Nkamhoua aside while chasing a rebound in the final seconds of the Longhorns' close victory over the Vols in 2022 in Austin. Cunningham was not called for a foul on that play.